CC BY-ND: the translation trap

CC BY-ND means you can share the work only if you do not change it at all. A translation is legally considered an adaptation because it alters the content into another language. So if you translate a CC BY-ND document and then share it, you violate the licence unless you get explicit permission from the creator. The same applies to editing, remixing, or even adding commentary—any modification is forbidden under this licence.

To spot this trap in an exam, remember that ND always means 'no changes allowed'. If a question mentions translating, remixing, or updating a CC BY-ND work, the correct answer is that it is not permitted. A quick elimination trick: if you see ND, cross out any option that involves modifying the work. Also note that CC BY-ND is stricter than CC BY-SA, which allows adaptations as long as you share alike. So when comparing licences, ND is the one that blocks all derivative works.

A compact way to test yourself: ask 'Can I translate a CC BY-ND article and post it online?' The answer is no, because translation is a derivative work. If you need to remember this, think of ND as 'No Derivatives'—any change, including language, is off limits unless you get a separate licence.